SCENE THIRD.

Night. An encampment of Moroccan troops on the edge of the desert. Watch-fires, with Soldiers resting by them.

A Slave.

[Enters, tearing his hair.]

Gone is the Emperor’s milk-white charger!

Another Slave.

[Enters, rending his garments.]

The Emperor’s sacred robes are stolen!

An Officer.

[Enters.]

A hundred stripes upon the foot-soles

For all who fail to catch the robber!

[The troopers mount their horses, and gallop away in every direction.